Help from the dairy breeders on here.

[frostback]

I have a friend that has bought a bred Holstein to feed through the summer then sell her at fair in August. I would like her to feed the poor thing more but need some guidelines to show her. Does anyone know of a place online that I could send her or print off to give her to get my point across that she is too thin.

 

[diamonddls]

If search dairy cattle bcs in the images. There's a number of easy to understand pictures showing the difference in body condition.

 

[frostback]

I need something to show her pounds of grain and hay for a bred heifer. I have found lots from calf to weaning but not much later on. We do not have silage, only can buy bagged grain and have grass hay. I hope we can have some alfalfa in a few weeks.

 

[Till-Hill]

Let me know if link don't work.

http://www.thebullvine.com/photo-gallery/new-york-international-spring-holstein-show-2014-spring-yearling/

 

[RyanChandler]

I need something to show her pounds of grain and hay for a bred heifer. I have found lots from calf to weaning but not much later on. We do not have silage, only can buy bagged grain and have grass hay. I hope we can have some alfalfa in a few weeks.

How would any standardized chart know how to account for the bred heifer's body condition?  Without knowing the energy level of the 'grass hay,'  there is no way anyone could provide you any insight as far as the quantity of supplemental grain needed.

 

[frostback]

A steer should eat 2% to 3% of his body weight for gain right? I assume that's the same but what is a good ration for the dairy side. I do not want her to get fat in her udder. Does someone have a good ration that tells the protein, fat, fiber, etc. for dairy heifers. I just need something to print off so she believes me that the heifer is under weight and then they can make a plan to get her in the right condition.

 

[CAB]

Do you have any dairies in your area that have a nutritionist on hand or one that they feel confident in? I would start there, most have someone that they work closely with or the larger dairies have a nutritionist on staff.